Job Description
Team Lawyer - Place (Locum)
Location: Greater Manchester (Hybrid)
Contract: 6+ months locum
Rate: £40–£60 per hour (depending on experience)
An opportunity for an experienced Team Lawyer - Place to join a forward-thinking local authority legal team on a 6‑month locum basis. Reporting to the Group Lawyer - Place, you will work within a client‑focused legal and democratic function supporting a wide range of council services.
The Role
You will advise on matters relating to Land and Property, including property-related Housing and Land Charges, Major Projects and Regeneration, Contracts and Procurement, and Housing and ASB. You will also work closely with officers, elected members, partner organisations and other stakeholders, providing clear and practical legal advice.
Key responsibilities include:
* Managing a personal caseload, including complex and significant matters
* Advising, preparing and conducting proceedings on behalf of the Council
* Acting as an advocate at court, tribunals, inquiries and statutory or legislative hearings
* Managing the instruction and use of Counsel and external solicitors
* Drafting complex legal documentation and leading negotiations
* Attending committees, panels and officer meetings to advise on legal matters
* Providing specialist legal advice to support service delivery and decision-making
* Supporting projects to ensure delivery in line with corporate priorities
* Supervising, mentoring and supporting junior staff
* Delivering legal guidance, training and briefing notes
* Ensuring compliance with GDPR, including appropriate data management and retention
Essential Requirements
* Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate (Barrister or Legal Executive also considered)
* Post-qualification experience in at least two of the following areas:
* Land and Property (including Housing and Land Charges)
* Major Projects and Regeneration
* Contracts and Procurement
* Housing and ASB
* Experience advising on complex local authority matters
* Experience conducting proceedings and acting as an advocate
* Experience drafting complex legal documentation and managing negotiations
* Ability to manage a substantial caseload with minimal supervision
* Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
This is a great opportunity to join a progressive, established, local authority and play a key role in delivering impactful projects across the region.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Sharzad Michaels in the Legal & Governance Team at Allen Lane.